How to change headphones Xiaomi: from selection to connection

Replacing Xiaomi headphones is a task that every owner of this brand's gadgets faces sooner or later. The reasons can be different: from the banal loss of one of the two devices. TWS-So, you can use headphones to upgrade to a more modern model with improved sound or noise maker. But how do you choose a replacement to not lose on compatibility, sound quality and functionality? And what if the new device refuses to connect to the smartphone?

In this article, we will look at everything from diagnosing faults with old headphones to step-by-step instructions for connecting new ones, focusing on Redmi AirDots, Xiaomi Buds and Mi True Wireless, which are the most popular among users, and learn how to save money without running into a fake, and what to do if the headphones are unstable after replacing.

When it’s time to change Xiaomi headphones: 5 obvious signs

Before you run for a new pair, make sure the problem is really with the headphones, not the settings of the smartphone or the sound source.Here are the key symptoms that signal the need for replacement:

• 🔊 Distorted sound: wheezing, crackling or no bass/high frequency that doesn’t disappear after cleaning the speakers.
• 🔋 Fast discharge: headphones hold a charge for less than 1-2 hours (for the first time). TWS-models normal - from 4 hours).
• 📶 Permanent communication breaks: Bluetooth connection is interrupted even at a distance of 1 meter from the smartphone.
• 🛠️ Physical damage: cracks in the body, severed wires (for wired models) or broken buttons.
• 🎧 In a stereo pair, one earphone lags behind the other by more than 0.5 seconds.

If at least one of these signs is on the rise, trying to “resuscitate” the headphones by resetting them to factory settings or flashing them back is unlikely to help. In such cases, it is more rational to invest in a new model.

⚠️ Attention: On devices with MIUI 14+ Sometimes Bluetooth codecs get lost. Try to manually select the codec. SBC or AAC in the settings of the connected device - this can return sound without replacing the headphones.

Use test audio with a clear frequency distribution (e.g., tracks from the Audio Check playlist on YouTube) to diagnose the problem, if the distortion only occurs at specific frequencies, the problem may be the equalizer settings, not the earbuds themselves.

How to choose a replacement: comparison of models Xiaomi 2023-2026

Xiaomi’s headphone range is extensive, and it’s easy to get confused. We’ve put together a table with key parameters of current models to make it easier to choose. Pay attention to the Compatibility column – some models are optimized for smartphones on MIUI and may not reach their full potential with devices from other brands.

If your priority is sound quality, look for Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro with LDAC codec support (transmits audio in a quality close to Hi-Res). For sports and active lifestyle, Redmi Buds 5 Pro with IP54 protection from dust and moisture. And if you want maximum autonomy, consider Xiaomi FlipBuds Pro - they hold a charge of up to 30 hours with a case.

Critical: Active Noisemaker (ANC) models require regular firmware updates through the Mi Earphones app. Without updates, the ANC may not work properly or even shut down altogether.

Step-by-step: how to connect new headphones Xiaomi

Even if you are an experienced user, connect new ones. TWS-Headphones sometimes turn into a puzzle. Follow this instruction to avoid typical mistakes:

1. Resetting old headphones (if they are still paired with a smartphone): 📱 Open the Settings. → Bluetooth on a smartphone. 🔄 Find your headphones in the list and click "Forget the device". 🔋 Put the headphones in the case and hold the button on the case for 10-15 seconds (until the indicator flashes).
2. Activation of the pairing mode: 🎧 Get your headphones out of the case – they should automatically turn on. 🔍 Hold the touchpad on both headphones for 3 seconds (until the beep).
3. Connecting to a smartphone: 📲 Turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone and select headphones from the list of available devices. ✅ Confirm the conjugation (if necessary, enter the PIN 0000).

If the headphones are not determined, try:

• 🔄 Reboot your smartphone and headphones (put them in your case for 30 seconds).
• 📴 Disable Bluetooth on other devices nearby (may interfere with your device).
• 🔧 Update the firmware of headphones through Mi Earphones (available on Google Play).

Headphones are displayed in the list of Bluetooth devices |

The sound is played synchronously in both headphones |

Microphone is working (check through voice recording)|

The charge level is displayed correctly-->

⚠️ Note: On smartphones Xiaomi with MIUI 13 and below can work bug, in which the headphones are connected only in mode HFP (To fix this, go to Settings. → Bluetooth → Additionally. → Audio codec and select AAC or.

What to do if one earphone does not work after replacement

When you put a new pair on, one of the headphones is silent or separate, it's common, and it can be both software and hardware.

1. Charge check: Make sure both earbuds are charged. Sometimes the case undercharges one of them. Put the headphones in the case for 10 minutes, then reconnect.
2. Reset: For most Xiaomi models, the reset is done like this: hold the touchpads on both headphones for 15 seconds (until double beep).
3. Firmware update: Outdated firmware can cause unstable work. Use the official Mi Earphones app for updates.
4. Physical Injury Check: Check the contacts in the case and on the headphones. If they are oxidized or contaminated, gently clean them with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol.

If the problem persists, check to see if the smartphone is activated in Monosound mode (in the special settings), which force the sound to only one earpiece.

How to transfer settings from old headphones to new

If you change your headphones to the same lineup (like Redmi AirDots 2 on Redmi AirDots 3), you can move some settings through the Mi Earphones app.

1. Install the Mi Earphones app from Google Play or AppGallery.
2. Connect an old pair of headphones and export the settings: 📤 Go to the section "Sound Profile". 🔽 Click "Export" and save the file to the device.
3. Connect new headphones and import settings: 📥 In the same section, click "Import" and select the saved file.

The following parameters are carried over:

• 🎛️ Equalizer settings.
• 🔇 Noise level (if maintained).
• 🎤 Microphone settings (such as voice amplification).
• ⏱️ Auto-shutdown timers.

Note that gesture settings (such as double-touching for playback) cannot be moved, you have to reconfigure them, and you also don't transfer your firmware and customized Bluetooth codecs.

💡

If you have a Xiaomi smartphone on MIUI 14+, activate the dual connection function in Bluetooth settings, which will allow you to automatically switch between your smartphone and laptop without re-pairing.

Where to buy original headphones Xiaomi: proven ways

The market is full of fakes, especially for popular models like Redmi AirDots.

• 🛒 Official stores: Mi Store (online and offline), AliExpress (only from official sellers marked "Xiaomi Official Store"), Wildberries or Ozon (check the reviews and rating of the seller).
• 🔍 Original Signs: There is a box on the box QR-The code for checking on mi.com is the same serial number as the Mi Earphones number. USB-C cable (fakes are often microUSB).
• 💰 Price range: If the price of Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro is below 6000 ₽ — Budget models (Redmi AirDots 3) can't be cheaper than 2,000. ₽.

Before buying, check the headphones for compatibility with your smartphone. For example, models with LDAC will not work at full capacity with the iPhone, since Apple does not support this codec.

⚠️ Attention: AliExpress often sells replicas as originals, distinguished by the absence of branded packaging and the inscription "Made in China" (fakes often have "Made in Vietnam" or no country at all).

Frequent Mistakes When Replacing Headphones and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced users sometimes make mistakes that lead to the incorrect operation of new headphones.

Another common problem is that the Bluetooth versions on your smartphone and headphones don’t match. For example, if your Xiaomi only supports Bluetooth 4.2 and your headphones require 5.0+, some features (like the LC3 codec) will not be available.

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Before buying a new headphone model, be sure to check the supported Bluetooth codecs with your smartphone. For example, Xiaomi Buds 4 Pro require LDAC, which only works on Android 8.0+.

FAQ: Answers to Frequent Questions